If you've never heard of boiled peanuts your first reaction is probably one of raised eyebrows. Maybe even a grimace. But hear me out: Boiled peanuts are the snack you never knew you needed in your life but trust me, you do!
Boiled peanuts are a delicacy of the American South, a comfort food, and are deeply intertwined with Southern culture where they are a symbol of Southern hospitality.
Boiled peanuts have a different texture compared to crunchy roasted peanuts; they’re very soft and moist. The shells absorb the flavors of the brine during the boiling process and infuse the peanuts inside with a salty, savory flavor. They can be flavored with a variety of seasonings (see my blog post for yummy ideas) or just made in traditional au naturel fashion. Throughout the generations they've been served at ball games, county fairs, church picnics, barber shops, roadside stands, by city street vendors, and even at weddings.
Come read about my first encounter with boiled peanuts, our subsequent move to the South (it wasn't just for the peanuts), my ventures in home peanut-growing (spoiler: I've quadrupled my peanut patch this year!), and grab the recipe for this wonderfully satisfying Southern treat!
